Read Positive User Reviews for Boy Erased

10

united001Nov 10, 2018

I attended this movie showing with a good friend who is gay but had not read the book upon which the movie is based and only had vague awareness of anything specific but the general theme of gay conversion therapy. By halfway through theI attended this movie showing with a good friend who is gay but had not read the book upon which the movie is based and only had vague awareness of anything specific but the general theme of gay conversion therapy. By halfway through the movie, he had to leave the theater for a short period of time because the movie upset him. Turns out although he was never in formal gay conversion therapy he told me that the religiosity of the movie was accurate so much that it was like watching a bit of a nightmare of his own experiences in religious circles as well as with his own father. At the end of the movie, he stated that he was very glad to have seen the movie, but like a PTSD survivor, he said that he would never watch the movie again. He did comment that he would consider sending a copy of the movie upon its release in that manner to his father who in many ways resembled Jared's father. I found the movie slow in places and it does jump back and forth through time, but that is how the book was written by Mr. Conley. I have not seen the other gay conversion movie recently released. This movie takes seriously what "But I'm A Cheerleader" made fun of and was entirely useless to point out the extreme emotional damage done by such practices that still go on today and are not labeled as crimes of child abuse, which is what gay conversion attempts really are. The acting was off the charts good. Lucas Hedges perfection. Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe spectacular. Joel Edgerton was spectacular. The score is superb, Troye Sivan very good in his minor role, but his singing as always perfect for the occasion. In my opinion, Boy Erased took a good book that was somewhat muted in emotion until the very end and used it to create an extremely powerful screenplay that is both appropriately emotional as well as instructive in a way the movies sometimes need to be when such ignorance such as gay conversion therapy needs a voice to point out what society still allows that is still so wrong on so many levels.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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9

Compi24Dec 4, 2018

Actor-turned-actor/director Joel Edgerton follows up his 2015 chiller "The Gift" with a film that holds a surprising candle to it in terms of shock value. But what makes "Boy Erased" more sobering, important, and -- ultimately -- better thanActor-turned-actor/director Joel Edgerton follows up his 2015 chiller "The Gift" with a film that holds a surprising candle to it in terms of shock value. But what makes "Boy Erased" more sobering, important, and -- ultimately -- better than its predecessor, is the unshakably sobering truth behind the events depicted in the film. Edgerton's adaptation of the eponymous memoir is, simply put, one of the most impactful, moving, and significant cinematic experiences of the year for me. It's not the easiest watch, strictly speaking, but I'm glad I did see it.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

BHBarryNov 11, 2018

> "Boy Erased" is a film dealing with gay conversion therapy and stars Lucas Hedge, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Based on the real life memoir of writer Garred Conley the film was written and directed by Joel Edgerton who also plays one> "Boy Erased" is a film dealing with gay conversion therapy and stars Lucas Hedge, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Based on the real life memoir of writer Garred Conley the film was written and directed by Joel Edgerton who also plays one of the "counselors" in the controversial facility. This is not simply a message film but rather a deep and emotional exploration into the workings of an Arkansas family and the life style choices its members are forced to make. Kudos to Ms. Kidman and Mr. Crowe for their fine performances but the film really belongs to Lucas Hedge who, although subjugated to supporting roles in "Manchester by the Sea", "Lady Bird" and "3 Billboads in Montana", brings an honest and moving portrayal of a troubled teen seeking asylum and peace in a world not of his making. I give the film an 8.0 with a reminder that of our 50 states, 34 of them still have not banned this archaic and medieval attempt to change an individual's sexual preference.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

MarkHReviewsDec 6, 2018

Fortunately and unfortunately, “Boy Erased” is a true story. Unfortunate because the trauma and suffering inflicted on the main character are based on the author’s real-world experiences. Fortunate because the entire film is imbued with anFortunately and unfortunately, “Boy Erased” is a true story. Unfortunate because the trauma and suffering inflicted on the main character are based on the author’s real-world experiences. Fortunate because the entire film is imbued with an unmistakable authenticity that is riveting to watch.

Based on the book by the same name, (author Garrard Conley becomes Jared Eamons in the film) the story chronicles Jared’s late-adolescent awkwardness and his increasing suspicion that he is gay. Jared’s father (Russell Crowe), a Baptist minister who also runs the local Ford dealership, believes that homosexuality is sin and that the only way forward is to send Jared to a gay conversion camp. The results are heart-wrenching, with the young man earnestly, guilelessly trying to anchor his life in a belief system that rejects the core of his being. While Jared’s pain is heartbreaking, the screenplay creates no scapegoats, even if some would be well-deserved. Director-Writer-Actor Joel Edgerton has used extraordinary sensitivity in conveying the good intentions of all concerned. Even those running the conversion therapy program, which is a true horror show, are portrayed as earnest and sincere. Although no one is written off as stupid or evil, the consequences for Jared and the other unfortunates experiencing conversion therapy are no less devastating. In a too-bizarre-to-not-be-true postscript at the end of the film, it is noted that the aggressive leader of the gay conversion program now lives in Texas – with his husband.

It would be easy to suggest that “Boy Erased” is a star-making vehicle for Lucas Hedges as ,Jared. However, since he already has an Oscar nomination (for "Manchester by the Sea," 2016) and key roles in three excellent recent films - "Lady Bird," "Three Billboards …" and "Mid90s" – it’s impossible to suggest that he is a revelation. That said, his performance is absolutely magnificent. His totally convincing portrayal of adolescent confusion, earnest faith and burgeoning self-regard are the essence of this film’s excellence. In minor roles, Russell Crowe (Marshall Eamons) and Nicole Kidman (Nancy Eamons) make solid contributions. Kidman, as a strong Southern belle (a “steel magnolia” if you will), is particularly essential to the story and skillful in her performance.

In the final analysis, “Boy Erased” is not just a story about the difficulties of coming out in a conservative Southern community. The inevitable pain of that experience is effectively, honestly counterbalanced by the demonstration that a mother’s love for her son can redeem even the most difficult situation.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

netflicDec 3, 2018

It is an honest and emotional drama about a homosexual young man being put thru a conversion therapy by his religious patents.
Based on real events.
I was a bit reluctant to see the movie, expecting it to be just another Hollywood bashing ofIt is an honest and emotional drama about a homosexual young man being put thru a conversion therapy by his religious patents.
Based on real events.
I was a bit reluctant to see the movie, expecting it to be just another Hollywood bashing of Christianity. Went to see it by accident: wanted to see Rome but it was sold out.
I am glad I saw this film. It is done with great actors and lots of talent.
What are you expected to do when you believe in God, know that homosexuality is a sin but you also love you child and try to protect him or her from harm? Are you ready to believe in God *less* or to loose you child? It is an extremely difficult choice. Yet you have to make such a choice because there is no room for compromise.
There are plenty of big names in this movie:
Joel Edgerton is not only a director for this film (this is his directorial debut) but he also co-wrote the script and was one of the stars there.
Nicole Kidman, Lucas Hedges, Russel Crowe, to name a few. As you can see, the cast is very impressive, and they deliver.

Overall, it is an excellent movie about decent people struggling to do what they think it is right.… Expand